Alright, 3DR Solo pilots! If you’re looking to elevate your aerial videography from shaky, amateur footage to buttery-smooth, cinematic masterpieces, you know a top-notch gimbal is non-negotiable. The 3DR Solo, while an amazing drone, truly shines when paired with the right camera stabilization. But what exactly is the best gimbal for 3DR Solo, and what essential accessories complement it?
Choosing the right gear can feel a bit overwhelming, especially with so many options out there. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you cut through the noise. We’ll dive into the core 3-axis gimbal designed specifically for the Solo, along with some ingenious accessories that can seriously upgrade your setup. We’re talking about achieving incredible stability, unlocking new camera possibilities, and generally making your drone footage look professional.
Let’s get your Solo ready to capture some truly breathtaking shots!
1. Solo, The Smart Drone, 3-Axis Gimbal for GoPro. Model #GB11A
This is it – the genuine article, the dedicated 3-axis gimbal specifically designed by 3DR for the Solo drone. If you’re serious about getting the absolute best out-of-the-box stabilization for your GoPro with your 3DR Solo, this is generally your go-to. It integrates seamlessly with the drone’s smart features, offering incredible precision and control directly from your controller or the Solo app. Forget shaky horizons; this gimbal ensures your GoPro Hero 3/3+/4 footage remains remarkably stable, even in dynamic flight conditions.
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Key Features:
- 3-axis gimbal ensures solid GoPro performance
- Designed specifically for 3DR Solo drone – not suitable for other brands
- Captures smooth and fluid HD footage every flight
- Stabilized to within 0.1 degrees of pointing accuracy
- Requires software update from official website for optimal use
- Seamless integration with Solo’s smart features
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Pros:
- Unparalleled stability designed for the Solo ecosystem
- Precise 0.1-degree accuracy for professional-looking shots
- Full GoPro control via Solo controller and app
- Easy to install and integrate (once software is updated)
- Essential for maximizing the Solo’s video capabilities
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Cons:
- Only compatible with 3DR Solo
- Requires a software update which can be a hurdle for some users
- Specifically for GoPro Hero 3/3+/4, limiting newer camera options
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User Impressions: Pilots consistently praise this gimbal for its exceptional stabilization and its ability to transform shaky flights into Hollywood-grade footage. Many note that it’s an absolute must-have accessory for anyone serious about aerial videography with their Solo, despite the initial software update step. It truly unlocks the drone’s potential.
2. Back-Bone BBRC2002BA Ribcage AIR Modified Hero4 Black for…
While not a gimbal itself, this product is an incredible game-changer that works with your 3DR Solo gimbal to unlock an entirely new world of creative possibilities. The Ribcage AIR is a modified GoPro Hero4 Black, meticulously designed to be as lightweight as possible while allowing you to swap out lenses! Imagine using distortion-free wide-angle lenses, or even vintage C-mount lenses, with your Solo’s existing 3-axis gimbal. This innovative modification lets you truly customize your aerial visuals, giving you control over focal length and perspective far beyond what a stock GoPro offers.
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Key Features:
- Ribcage AIR Modified Hero4 Black for 3DR Solo Gimbal with FREE Custom Back-Bone GOcase
- Designed from the ground up to be as light as possible, specifically for 3DR Solo
- Benefit to the max from 3DR’s unique full camera control – now with interchangeable lenses
- Supports M12 lenses (under 10 grams) for Solo or other small gimbals
- Compatible with CS, C-mount, D-Mount, and Bolex lenses on larger platforms/gimbals
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Pros:
- Unlocks interchangeable lens capability for your GoPro on the Solo gimbal
- Allows for distortion-free wide-angle shots
- Extremely lightweight, perfect for maintaining flight performance
- Offers unparalleled creative control over your aerial footage
- Integrates perfectly with the Solo’s camera control features
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Cons:
- Requires a separate GoPro Hero4 Black (not included) for modification
- An advanced modification that might not be for beginners
- Additional lenses need to be purchased separately
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User Impressions: Enthusiastic users rave about the expanded creative freedom this modified GoPro provides. They highlight the ability to use specialized lenses to achieve unique cinematic looks that are simply impossible with a standard GoPro. It’s seen as an essential upgrade for serious videographers wanting to push the boundaries of their 3DR Solo setup.
3. 3DR Camera Sunshade for Solo Gimbal
Every great camera needs a little protection from the elements, and your 3DR Solo gimbal is no exception. This camera sunshade might seem like a small accessory, but it makes a big difference in the quality of your aerial footage. Glare and lens flares can ruin an otherwise perfect shot, especially when flying in bright conditions. This sunshade effectively blocks unwanted sunlight from hitting your GoPro lens, ensuring clearer, more vibrant images and videos. It’s an affordable and effective way to enhance the performance of your existing best gimbal for 3DR Solo.
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Key Features:
- Designed to fit the 3DR Solo Gimbal specifically
- Effectively blocks sun glare and lens flare
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Durable construction
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Pros:
- Significantly improves image and video quality in bright conditions
- Reduces glare and lens flare for clearer footage
- Protects the GoPro lens from minor impacts
- Inexpensive and easy upgrade
- Maintains the lightweight profile of the gimbal setup
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Cons:
- May add a tiny bit of air resistance (though negligible)
- Only useful in sunny conditions
- Can make the camera slightly more bulky
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User Impressions: Users often describe this sunshade as a “must-have” accessory. They appreciate how such a simple, inexpensive addition can drastically improve footage quality by eliminating distracting glare. It’s frequently recommended for anyone flying their Solo outdoors.
4. 3DR Gimbal Mount
Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective. This 3DR Gimbal Mount is a 3D-printed component that serves as a replacement or custom attachment point for your Solo’s gimbal. Whether you’ve had a mishap, need a spare, or are looking to custom-mount another lightweight accessory to your Solo, this mount provides a solid, purpose-built base. Its 3D-printed nature means it’s designed for a precise fit, ensuring your gimbal (or other gear) remains securely attached during even the most dynamic flights. This mount is essential for maintaining the integrity and functionality of your best gimbal for 3DR Solo setup.
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Key Features:
- 3D Printed for precise fit and lightweight design
- Designed for 3DR Solo drone
- Serves as a replacement or custom mounting point
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Pros:
- Perfect fit for the 3DR Solo
- Lightweight, minimizing impact on flight time
- Ideal for replacing damaged mounts or for custom projects
- Cost-effective solution
- Durable for its intended use
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Cons:
- Being 3D printed, it might not be as robust as injection-molded plastic in extreme conditions
- Limited functionality beyond mounting
- Specific use case – mainly for replacement or custom builds
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User Impressions: Owners who’ve needed a replacement mount find this product invaluable for getting their drone back in action quickly and affordably. Custom builders also appreciate the precise fit for their modifications, noting its reliability for standard gimbal mounting. It’s seen as a practical solution for specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions about 3DR Solo Gimbals & Accessories
Q1: Why do I need a gimbal for my 3DR Solo?
A1: A gimbal is crucial for capturing smooth, stable video footage. Without one, your drone’s camera would shake and tilt with every movement and vibration of the drone, resulting in unwatchable, shaky video. A 3-axis gimbal actively counteracts these movements, keeping your camera level and steady, giving you professional-looking cinematic shots.
Q2: Is the 3DR Solo 3-axis gimbal (Model #GB11A) the only option for the Solo?
A2: For a truly integrated, “plug-and-play” experience with full camera control from the Solo controller, the official 3DR Solo 3-axis gimbal (Model #GB11A) is indeed the primary and best gimbal for 3DR Solo. While third-party gimbals might exist or be adaptable, they generally won’t offer the same level of seamless integration and control.
Q3: Can I use newer GoPro models with the 3DR Solo gimbal?
A3: The official 3DR Solo gimbal (Model #GB11A) is primarily designed for the GoPro Hero 3, 3+, and 4 models. Newer GoPros (Hero 5 and up) generally have different dimensions and connectors, meaning they typically won’t fit or connect properly to the Solo’s dedicated gimbal. You might need to look into camera modifications like the Ribcage AIR (Product 2) if you want to use different lens options with a Hero 4.
Q4: What’s the benefit of a “Ribcage AIR” modified GoPro?
A4: A Ribcage AIR modified GoPro allows you to change the lens on your GoPro camera. This is a huge benefit for aerial photography because it lets you use distortion-free wide-angle lenses, telephoto lenses, or even specialty lenses. This gives you far greater creative control over your shots than a standard GoPro lens.
Q5: How important is a camera sunshade for drone photography?
A5: A camera sunshade is surprisingly important! Just like with a regular camera, direct sunlight can cause lens flares and reduce contrast in your drone footage. A sunshade blocks this unwanted light, leading to clearer, more vibrant, and professional-looking videos and photos, especially when flying in bright conditions.
Q6: What’s the “0.1 degrees of pointing accuracy” mean for a gimbal?
A6: This specification refers to how precisely the gimbal can maintain the camera’s orientation. 0.1 degrees of accuracy means the camera will stay incredibly steady, with very minimal deviation from its intended angle, even during rapid drone movements. This high level of precision is key to achieving that super-smooth, “floating” camera effect that professional aerial videographers strive for.
Q7: Do I need to update the gimbal’s software?
A7: Yes, the official 3DR Solo gimbal (Model #GB11A) often requires a software update from the official 3DR website to function correctly and integrate seamlessly with your drone. It’s a crucial step to ensure proper communication and optimal performance between the gimbal and the Solo. Always check the official guides for the latest firmware instructions.
